Easy ways to incorporate physical activity into your child’s outdoor play

Ann Arnold, Michigan State University Extension -

Exercise can help children develop important physical, cognitive, communication and social skills. Summer is the perfect time to go outside to excercise.

Outside play is great for children and fun too! Photo credit: ANR Communications | MSU Extension
Outside play is great for children and fun too! Photo credit: ANR Communications | MSU Extension

Exercise can help children develop important physical, cognitive, communication and social skills. In addition, experts say we should be doing 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day as regular exercise can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of exercise you need, you can do it in several 10 minute sessions. Remember, you should always be able to talk while you are exercising or you may be pushing it too hard. 

Warm weather presents an excellent opportunity for the whole family to get some exercise in outdoors. In addition, the Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality Prekindergarten indicate that a quality program “capitalizes on the opportunity the outdoor environment presents for learning about and from the natural world.”

When playing outside with children, safety should always be considered first. Always scope the play area for any potential hazards. Do not take them out in extreme hot or cold conditions and don’t forget the sunscreen. Have them dress appropriately in play clothes. Be on the look-out for any bug bites or bee stings and use first-aid if this does occur.

Looking for great physical activities that can be used outdoors and assist with gross motor development? Here are some ideas:

  • Bring out several size balls to bat, kick or throw around. Children will have a great time with how the different sizes perform differently.
  • Bring out buckets of bubble solution and have children run around while making different size bubbles.
  • Use scarfs, ribbons or streamers (from the dollar store) to run or dance with to music.
  • A child favorite is running through sprinklers to cool off.

Michigan State University Extension encourages you to remember to make it a family affair by getting in on the play and most of all, have fun!

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • early childhood development,
  • family,
  • msu extension,
  • physical activity,
  • physical development and health
  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).